New Homes - December, 2003

Eastbourne, East Sussex

Millwood Designer Homes has now released the third phase of homes at its Henley Park development at Sovereign Harbour North, with a superb new show apartment to match. The Henley Apartments are a contemporary collection of 44 two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouse suites boasting high specification and meticulous attention to detail, and perfectly placed near the marina. Interiors feature kitchens designed and fitted by James Theobald, with stainless steel integrated appliances including dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer. Prices at the Henley Apartments start from £228,000. For details call 01323 472882.

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Charles Church is soon to open its marketing suite at Hazeley Fields, its first development in Milton Keynes. Visitors will have the opportunity to view plans for the initial properties to be released and demand is expected to be high. The development will consist of 21 three- and four-bedroom family homes built using a mix of original Charles Church designs in differing elevational treatments. For prices at Hazeley Fields or to register interest call 01727 828800.

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

More than 300 people visited Rydon Homes’ prestigious Molyneux Place development on its launch weekend, reserving 11 of the 40 apartments for sale. Molyneux Place is the highest residential building in Tunbridge Wells and has been restored by Rydon to its full Victorian glory – one of the penthouse suites even features a tower leading to a rooftop terrace with an outdoor spa bath. For price information call 01892 616186.

Hadleigh, Essex

Persimmon Homes has created a permanent tribute to Rugby World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson by naming one of the streets at its Hadleigh Oaks development Wilkinson Drop. Gerry Pople, Persimmon Homes Essex sales director, says, ‘Everyone at Persimmon, along with the rest of the country, was so delighted by the news we thought this would be the perfect way to remember the event.’ Hadleigh Oak is an exciting range of one-, two-and three-bedroom apartments close to the historic town centre. Call 0870 241 1587 for prices.

Reading, Berkshire

A dedicated marketing suite has been unveiled at KingsOak’s Blake’s Quay development at the heart of the town. A choice of one, two and three-bedroom apartments is available, along with stunning duplex apartments. Prices start at £194,995 and a new show apartment will follow shortly.

North Finchley, London

Sales have now topped the halfway mark at Ensignia, where Barratt North London is transforming the old Territorial Army Centre into a striking, modern development of 147 one-, two- and three-bedroom new homes. Prices start from £273,000. Call 020 8815 9068.

Chelsea, London

Berkeley Homes is currently selling its flagship development Chelsea Bridge Wharf, a landmark collection of over 600 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments less than a mile from Sloane Square. The scheme has been designed around the largest central water feature in London enabling all purchasers, whether Thames-side or not, to enjoy views over water. Prices for remaining apartments start at £345,000. Call 020 7720 4000.

Fulham, London

St George has now officially opened the fully fitted show home at Imperial Crescent, the latest phase of release at Imperial Wharf. The crescent itself boasts a selection of 12 Georgian style town houses with views across parkland to the Thames – Imperial Wharf is a collection of four- and five-bedroom houses at prices from £2.45 million. For more details call 020 7610 9693.

Hertfordshire is one of the most popular spots for buyers, offering an excellent mix of newly built homes. Johnny Turner has a look at what’s available.

Hertfordshire is a county with a lot to offer – pleasant countryside, well-connected market towns, good schools and fine property. There are currently a number of winning developments that are convincing both Herts natives and incomers that this region is on the up.
Twigden Homes is seeing success with a number of its schemes in the county, having selected sites that show Hertfordshire at its best. It has unveiled Templar’s Gate, an extensive development of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes in Royston with an emphasis on traditional design and affordability. With prices starting at £145,000 these homes will appeal to first-time buyers as well as those who already own a home.

Templar’s Gate is named for Royston’s strong association with the Knights Templar, and each of the four phases of the development will be named for saints who were of particular importance to the mysterious organisation.
Royston is a traditional market town with an unbeatable combination of nearby natural beauty and convenient modern amenities. Plentiful open space, good country walks, wildlife and golf courses are practically on the doorstep. The town is well connected too: Cambridge and Peterborough are easily accessible, and frequent trains to London King’s Cross provide a journey time of just 45 minutes.
Both inside and out, these homes offer a well designed, comfortable living environment. With a wide choice of house styles, any buyer will find something to like here. Most properties at Templar’s Gate include fitted kitchens and en suite facilities to the main bedrooms, and much attention has been paid to the scheme’s landscaping and layout.
Two-bedroom apartments are priced from £145,000 – and on these Twigden is currently offering to pay the five per cent deposit, as well as stamp duty and legal fees (excluding disbursements). Two-bedroom houses start at £165,000, three-bedroom houses are priced from £215,000 and four-bedroom houses start at £279,995. Find out more about Templar’s Gate by calling the site sales representative on 01763 249136.

Other current Twigden developments include The Grove, the builder’s fourth in Bishop’s Stortford, near the Essex border. The Grove is a collection of 32 new homes in a range of designs. There are three-bedroom houses starting at £215,000, four-bedroom houses from £285,000 and five-bedroom houses at prices from £389,000. Find out more about The Grove by calling 01279 652432.
Meanwhile, on the south side of Bishop’s Stortford, four- and five-bedroom houses are selling quickly at Poppyfields, at prices ranging from £325,000 to £435,000. Call 01279 654640 for more details. Find out about all Twigden’s current developments online at twigdenhomes.co.uk.

Paris Quarter is the recently released second phase of homes at Cassio Metro, Linden Homes’ stylish development in Watford. Offering 33 two-bedroom apartments and 38 three- and four-bedroom town houses, Paris Quarter offers an excellent opportunity to snap up a city-style home in an enviable area. Interest is high, so prospective buyers should move quickly. ‘I am predicting that the homes will not remain on the market for long,’ says Helen Todd, sales and marketing director for Linden Homes Chiltern.
This highly contemporary collection of four luxury apartment blocks and family town houses is marked by ultra-high specification. The show home has cool, minimalist décor and includes innovative technology such as pre-wiring for surround sound, recessed speakers in the bathroom and a large plasma television integrated into the foot of the bed in the master bedroom. Cassio Metro residents will have access to a health and fitness centre with top-of-the-range sports equipment and a swimming pool, as well as a personal concierge service – all part of the plan to create an environment that is luxurious and stress-free.

Another aspect that cuts down on daily stress is the proximity to parkland and good transport links. Cassiobury Park provides acres of beautiful open space that is ideal for quiet walks. And Watford tube station is moments away, providing a direct Metropolitan Line service to London Liverpool Street, giving City workers an easy one-hour commute.
Prices for two-bedroom apartments range from £260,000 to £265,000; three-bedroom town houses are £325,000 to £420,000; and four-bedroom town houses are priced from £415,000 to £475,000. Call the Cassio Metro sales and marketing suite on 01923 229229 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk.

Also in Watford, Barratt Homes offers Signature, a collection of modern two-, three- and four-bedroom homes just a mile and a half from the town centre. The emphasis is on contemporary elegance, and the use of modern materials makes these homes as maintenance-free as possible. The apartments boast strong roof lines, full-height glass walls on the upper floors, sweeping terraces and balconies to most apartments. The use of glass continues in the houses; each has a full-width conservatory room to the rear.

Inside you will find modern fitted kitchens complete with integrated stainless steel oven, hob and hood plus washer/dryer and dishwasher. Stylish bathrooms will have classic white suites and most master bedrooms offer en suite shower rooms. There will be two fully equipped residents’ fitness rooms and all the homes offer private parking (each house has a garage).
Superbly located for commuting, Signature has a choice of good connections. Residents can take a fast train to London Euston from Watford Junction, which takes about 20 minutes, or they can the catch Metropolitan Line tube from either Watford or Croxley Stations – both are very accessible. For drivers the M1 is around two and a half miles away. Air travellers are equally well served with Heathrow, Luton and Stansted airports all easy to reach.
Prices range from £217,500 to £330,000. Phone Barratt’s central sales line on 01923 297311.

Camstead Homes has three of just six elegant houses remaining at its Osborn Gardens development in the village of Digswell, near Welwyn Garden City. The Edwardian-influenced houses occupy a rural setting in a hollow surrounded by tree-covered hills near Digswell Lake and the 17-acre Digswell Park.
Osborn Gardens is ideal for London commuters. It is a short walk to Welwyn North station, from where the journey to King’s Cross takes approximately half an hour. The area is upmarket – homes in neighbouring Harmer Green are often priced above £1 million.

All six homes offer integral garages. There are two five-bedroom detached houses, each of which features a substantial second-floor master bedroom measuring nearly six metres by four metres with en suite. The four four-bedroom semi-detached houses are in two pairs and have the unusual feature of a first-floor lounge, dining room and kitchen, plus a family room/study. On the ground floor, besides the integral garage there is a double bedroom en suite which would be ideal for a teenager or dependant relative.
Interior finishes follow a traditional style, featuring ornate plaster cornicing to the hallway, living room and dining room, while the front gardens have been imaginatively designed by award-winning landscape architect Lisa Camps. Rear patios feature decking and are very conducive to relaxation.
Prices at Osborn Gardens start at £499,950. For more information call Moira Scott of Camstead Homes on 01954 213450.

And for those with an eye on future developments, Charles Church has announced that it has recently acquired land in Sarratt, near Chorleywood, and plans to build five executive homes there. Located in a private road, the development will be designed in the Arts and Crafts style to blend in with the surrounding area.
Specification will be very high and the homes will offer every convenience today’s buyer expects. Charles Church will also provide its Select service in this development, so buyers can personalise their house by choosing from a distinctive range of options.
The small village of Sarratt, just five miles from Watford, is ideally positioned for commuting to London and the surrounding areas. It is just off the A404, which provides access to the M25 at Junction 18, and Chorley rail and tube station is only two and a half miles away.
To get more information or to register on the waiting list, call Charles Church North London on 01727 828800.

Hotproperty’s Anna Bowden looks at developments ideal for those seeking quality and convenient accommodation at affordable prices.

With the housing market so buoyant at the moment first-time buyers are finding it hard to get onto the property ladder. However, there are plenty of new homes developers who can see the need for great quality yet affordable homes accessible to all potential buyers and who are building to meet the needs of this market segment. We take a look here at some fantastic new builds available at £275,000 or under.

Bellway is currently offering purchasers a ‘Move in for £250’ scheme on selected properties in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, making it easier than ever for first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder. Buyers who qualify for the scheme will pay £250 and Bellway will pay the five per cent deposit, one per cent stamp duty and legal fees of up to £750, taking away from the buyer the stressful need to save a deposit.

One participating Bellway development includes The Cloisters in new urban village Fairford Leys, part of the wider Glebe development. Comprising 24 high-specification two-bedroom apartments in a variety of eight different designs, The Cloisters is scheduled for completion in February 2004 so buyers can be in their dream home within weeks of reservation. Prices range from £133,000 for two bedrooms to £146,000 for a two-bedroom apartment with en suite bathroom.

Bellway is also offering the Move In scheme at Clipstone Brook in Leighton Buzzard, a development of 51 apartments in a location that boasts the charm of an historic town while also offering excellent commuter links. When completed in early summer 2004 the development will consist of two three-storey apartment buildings – Lestone Court and Leahton House – offering nine one-bedroom apartments and 42 two-bedroom apartments in a choice of 21 different designs. Prices for these lovely properties start from £115,000 for one bedroom and £136,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, with a parking space even included in the price. For details call The Cloisters on 01296 422214 or Clipstone Brook on 01525 376350.
Charles Church has now opened show homes at its Landen Grove and Orchard Brook developments in Wokingham and Twyford respectively, allowing purchasers the opportunity to see the quality of homes before buying one. The former is a collection of 24 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses and just six two-bedroom apartments in a non-estate location. The latter, Orchard Brook, offers 15 two-, three- and five-bedroom homes with the added bonus of a dedicated open ‘green’ area for residents. All homes boast a higher-than-usual specification and start from a very affordable £209,950 (Landen Grove) and £259,950 (Orchard Brook). For further information call 0118 979 1725.

Charles Church is also appealing to those on a budget with The Faradays, its newly launched development of 13 two-bedroom, two-bathroom homes and three-storey town houses in Sandhurst, Berkshire. The specification of these homes will be extremely high, with all space fully utilised to offer every modern convenience expected by today’s discerning buyers. The kitchens will feature stainless steel integrated appliances and the lounge/dining rooms will benefit from French doors leading onto the rear garden.
Prices at The Faradays start from £187,500 for the two-bedroom homes, and £210,000 for the two-bedroom two-bathroom properties. To arrange a viewing call selling agent Romans on 01252 864000.

Countryside Maritime is now offering Ventura on St Mary’s Island at Chatham Maritime, a collection of highly contemporary two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses. Created in an unusual architectural style, the houses have been painted in a range of pastel shades, including yellow, purple, green and blue, and many also feature butterfly rooflines. Inside the homes are impressive, with some of the master bedrooms created in vaulted roof spaces. Houses have been designed with the environment in mind, offering residents good communication links to encourage them to leave their cars at home. There is a comprehensive network of footpaths and cycleways throughout the island and the nearest train station boasts regular direct services into London Victoria (a journey of approximately 45 minutes) and also to the Channel Tunnel International Station.

Amenities on St Mary’s Island will be impressive once the development is completed, with a new school, a doctor’s surgery and a village hall opening as well as a series of riverside walks and plenty of open public spaces. Approximately 20 per cent of St Mary’s Island is dedicated to open space, including a large belt of parkland with maturing woodland to be conserved for wildlife and leisure pursuits.
The homes at Ventura are extremely reasonable, with three-bedroom town houses priced at £249,000. For sales enquiries call Countryside Maritime’s sales centre on 0845 071 2070 or email stmarysisland@cpplc.com.

Nicholas King Homes is enjoying success at Strata, its Walton-on-Thames development, with over 50 per cent of its contemporary apartments sold in the first week of opening. Each of the 16 one- and two-bedroom apartments has been designed to offer individuals a home with a difference, boasting many finishing touches that in other developments would be expensive extras. All apartments boast laminate flooring and the purchaser’s choice of fitted carpets for the bedrooms, which also offer spacious fitted wardrobes and flush fitted oak doors with chrome door furniture. Kitchens are highly-specified and boast top-of-the-range kitchen appliances, including stainless steel oven, hob and chimney style hood plus microwave and integrated fridge/freezer and washer/dryer.
Strata is close to all the action of Walton-on-Thames town centre, near a new Sainsbury’s store, the Elmbridge Leisure Centre and a wide range of other shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. And the development is ideal for commuters, with nearby Walton train station running regular scheduled services into London Waterloo in a journey time of around 30 minutes. The M3 is also easily accessible, providing access to the M25 and other motorways, putting the excellent shopping centres of Kingston, Weybridge and Sunbury within striking distance.
There are currently seven apartments left for sale at Strata, starting in price from £175,000. To find out more or to arrange a viewing call the sales office, open daily between 10am and 5pm, on 07775 680648, or visit website nkhomes.com.

Antler Homes is now selling the last two remaining apartments at Rye House in Shirley, Surrey, a smart and elegant traditionally-designed collection of six two-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom penthouses. The building offers protected views over a golf course and playing fields and boasts a number of authentic period features including gabled dormer windows, stone cils and mullions and two timber pitched Tudor style gables to the front. Shirley is located close to Croydon, a thriving residential and commercial centre, so residents at Rye House can enjoy living in a rural community as well as benefiting from nearby urban conveniences.

Griff Marshalsay, managing director of Antler Homes, comments, ‘With the desirable advantage of tranquil views, these exclusive homes benefit from being situated only a short distance from Croydon, one of the UK’s thriving residential and commercial centres.
‘Croydon has recently embarked on two regeneration programmes worth a combined total of £700 million, which will include improved shopping facilities, entertainment, housing and offices. As a result there has recently been a growth in demand for quality housing in this increasingly popular area. We have already seen a high level of demand for the new homes at Rye House and we now have just two apartments available for sale.’
The homes at Rye House comprise fully fitted kitchen with integrated stainless steel appliances, spacious living room and two double bedrooms, both with en suite. Security is also a feature, with homes boasting video entry system.
The remaining homes at Rye House are priced from £269,950. To find out more call the sales office on 01959 547100 or visit website antlerhomes.co.uk.

KingsOak West London is offering a range of buyer incentives at its Kings Place development in Hillingdon, Middlesex, individually packaged to suit buyers’ requirements. Typical incentives include paying the five per cent deposit, stamp duty and/or legal fees, or including carpets and appliances within the purchase price.
Kings Place is located just four miles from Heathrow Airport and the M25 and two miles from the M4, making it perfect for commuters and those who travel overseas regularly. A new show apartment and marketing suite will open early this year with the second phase of release, enabling buyers to see more clearly the quality and specification of these two-bedroom apartments. Prices will start from around £195,000. For further information call 01895 270517.

Try Homes has responded to research showing that the kitchen is the deciding factor when it comes to buying a house by designing high-specification open-plan kitchens at Coombe Hall Park that provide generous living space. The majority of kitchens at the East Grinstead development offer a family area or open out onto an adjacent dining room, and all are equipped with integrated appliances.
Coombe Hall Park comprises seven new homes and eight apartments in a converted Tudor revival house. Prices range from £185,000 for the apartments. For further details call the sales information centre on 01342 302522 or visit tryhomes.co.uk.

Chichester, Sussex

Berkeley Homes has seen such success at its Macellum Gate development that it has released another phase, comprising a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments plus three- and four-bedroom town houses. The development, which has been cleverly designed to reflect the architecture and character of this historic city, is ideally located for both commuters and outdoor-lovers alike, with its proximity to the South Downs and Chichester Harbour and its direct rail links into London Victoria. Prices at Macellum Gate start from £165,000. To find out more call 01243 778733.

Brixton, London

Persimmon Homes is currently offering Trinity Court in Ferndale Road, a development of 18 one- and two-bedroom apartments that is seeing great interest from investors looking to buy-to-let. Boasting electronic gates and high specification, the development is fantastically located at the hub of a vibrant area. Brixton is within walking distance, as are the excellent bars and restaurants of Clapham. Prices at Trinity Court range from £199,995 to £274,995, and the Investor Package is also available, includes legal fees, stamp duty and some deposit paid. Call selling agent Foxtons New Homes on 020 7973 2020.

Epsom, Surrey

Charles Church has now opened a marketing suite at its Livingstone Park development, providing visitors for the first time with the opportunity to view plans for the homes released for sale. The development has already seen strong local interest in the first homes to be released – the Roseberry apartments and the family homes. The apartments have been designed to offer instant appeal and will feature stylish fully fitted kitchens, bathrooms and master bedrooms with en suite shower rooms. For price information call 0870 458 3626.

Hockley, Essex

The first residents have now moved in to Hallmark Developments’ latest project, a retirement complex of 29 one- and two-bedroom apartments called Oak Lodge. ‘A number of the first residents have already recommended the Hockley development to their friends, and there are only two two-bedroom apartments left,’ says Hallmark managing director Stephen Everington. Facilities at Oak Lodge include a residents’ lounge, lift access, a visiting house manager, a 24-hour care line and high specification. For prices call 01268 799458.

Tonbridge, Kent

Gleeson Homes has got off to a flying start at Whitefriars Wharf with nine reservations taken over the launch weekend. The development is in a prime location just off Tonbridge High Street, and boasts proximity to the River Medway. Designed in keeping with fashionable London wharf developments, Whitefriars Wharf offers contemporary modern accommodation with large windows to allow plenty of natural light. To find out more call 01732 365569.

Wraysbury, Surrey

Millgate Homes has announced its latest development, a collection of five-bedroom homes on Station Road. The homes will be designed to represent the quintessential 21st century family home, with open-plan kitchen, hallway and conservatory areas. To request a brochure call 01344 489966.

Watford, Hertfordshire

Linden Homes Chiltern has released the first phase of homes at its flagship Cassio Metro development, comprising a range of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom town houses. The fashionable homes benefit from a high specification and are modern and low maintenance, making them ideal for busy young professionals and commuters. Prices start from £180,000. Call 01923 229229.

Crawley, Surrey

KingsOak Southern Counties is following up its successful Langley Court development with yet another superb collection of apartments, Worth Park. Offering 48 one- and two-bedroom properties, the development is within easy reach of the town centre and perfectly placed for commuters or those who need access to Gatwick Airport. Although launched recently 70 per cent of the apartments have already been snapped up. Remaining properties are priced from £194,995. Call 01293 523572 for details.

Gleeson again

Gleeson Homes Southern has noticed an interesting trend among its purchaser profiles – clients who buy new build properties once are more disposed towards buying them again. And some clients even find their new dream home on the same development, merely swapping their old house for the new.
This finding to given extra credibility by research from the House Builders’ Federation, which found that of respondents to a door-to-door survey, 45 per cent indicated that they would only consider moving to a newly-built home and 24 per cent of those who had already bought a new home would prefer to buy new build again.

‘It is our observation that we do get repeat purchasers’, says sales manager Ann Crick. ‘Once a purchaser has enjoyed the benefits of their first new Gleeson Southern Home, it seems they have a predisposition to new build properties and wish to continue benefiting from all the advantages a new home brings.’

Newly built homes are appealing for a vast number of reasons, but particularly important are the low maintenance and running costs and ease of purchase. Ann Crick continues, ‘As people become increasingly busy in their lives, time is fast becoming a precious commodity which people value extremely highly. A new property gives them additional leisure time because these homes are so low-maintenance, and quality free time is high on most people’s agenda. Match this personal luxury with the quality of all the homes on our portfolio and it is no surprise our new build properties have a loyal fan base.’

Other advantages of new homes include excellent value for money and more efficient heating and insulation. For details about Gleeson Southern Homes’ properties visit website gleeson-homes.co.uk.

Seen the light?

Celebrity couple Anthea Turner and Grant Bovey were on hand on 4 December to switch on the Christmas lights at St James Homes’ Kew Riverside development in Kew, Surrey. Around 250 guests including Kew Riverside residents, local school children and friends and family of St James Homes took part in the festivities. Carol singers from the Wimbledon Choral Society performed all the old favourites while Father Christmas handed out gifts to children – generously provided by Marks & Spencer, located in the neighbouring Kew Riverside Retail Park.

The lights were designed by Props Studios; the company is also responsible for designing the lights at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, but this is its first commission for a new home development.
Joy Constantine from Props Studios commented, ‘We wanted to design a lighting scheme that would complement the striking glass sales and marketing suite, so we have used lots of glass decorations around the water features and the surrounding trees. We have used stunning glass baubles from Germany and lights from France to decorate the enormous Christmas tree which, combined with the silver decorations, will reflect both natural and artificial light. The project is different from our usual work but we have enjoyed the challenge of lighting up our first ever residential development.’

Chichester, Sussex

Berkeley Homes has seen such success at its Macellum Gate development that it has released another phase, comprising a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments plus three- and four-bedroom town houses. The development, which has been cleverly designed to reflect the architecture and character of this historic city, is ideally located for both commuters and outdoor-lovers alike, with its proximity to the South Downs and Chichester Harbour and its direct rail links into London Victoria. Prices at Macellum Gate start from £165,000. To find out more call 01243 778733.

Brixton, London

Persimmon Homes is currently offering Trinity Court in Ferndale Road, a development of 18 one- and two-bedroom apartments that is seeing great interest from investors looking to buy-to-let. Boasting electronic gates and high specification, the development is fantastically located at the hub of a vibrant area. Brixton is within walking distance, as are the excellent bars and restaurants of Clapham. Prices at Trinity Court range from £199,995 to £274,995, and the Investor Package is also available, includes legal fees, stamp duty and some deposit paid. Call selling agent Foxtons New Homes on 020 7973 2020.

Epsom, Surrey

Charles Church has now opened a marketing suite at its Livingstone Park development, providing visitors for the first time with the opportunity to view plans for the homes released for sale. The development has already seen strong local interest in the first homes to be released – the Roseberry apartments and the family homes. The apartments have been designed to offer instant appeal and will feature stylish fully fitted kitchens, bathrooms and master bedrooms with en suite shower rooms. For price information call 0870 458 3626.

Hockley, Essex

The first residents have now moved in to Hallmark Developments’ latest project, a retirement complex of 29 one- and two-bedroom apartments called Oak Lodge. ‘A number of the first residents have already recommended the Hockley development to their friends, and there are only two two-bedroom apartments left,’ says Hallmark managing director Stephen Everington. Facilities at Oak Lodge include a residents’ lounge, lift access, a visiting house manager, a 24-hour care line and high specification. For prices call 01268 799458.

Tonbridge, Kent

Gleeson Homes has got off to a flying start at Whitefriars Wharf with nine reservations taken over the launch weekend. The development is in a prime location just off Tonbridge High Street, and boasts proximity to the River Medway. Designed in keeping with fashionable London wharf developments, Whitefriars Wharf offers contemporary modern accommodation with large windows to allow plenty of natural light. To find out more call 01732 365569.

Wraysbury, Surrey

Millgate Homes has announced its latest development, a collection of five-bedroom homes on Station Road. The homes will be designed to represent the quintessential 21st century family home, with open-plan kitchen, hallway and conservatory areas. To request a brochure call 01344 489966.

Watford, Hertfordshire

Linden Homes Chiltern has released the first phase of homes at its flagship Cassio Metro development, comprising a range of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom town houses. The fashionable homes benefit from a high specification and are modern and low maintenance, making them ideal for busy young professionals and commuters. Prices start from £180,000. Call 01923 229229.

Crawley, Surrey

KingsOak Southern Counties is following up its successful Langley Court development with yet another superb collection of apartments, Worth Park. Offering 48 one- and two-bedroom properties, the development is within easy reach of the town centre and perfectly placed for commuters or those who need access to Gatwick Airport. Although launched recently 70 per cent of the apartments have already been snapped up. Remaining properties are priced from £194,995. Call 01293 523572 for details.

Gleeson again

Gleeson Homes Southern has noticed an interesting trend among its purchaser profiles – clients who buy new build properties once are more disposed towards buying them again. And some clients even find their new dream home on the same development, merely swapping their old house for the new.
This finding to given extra credibility by research from the House Builders’ Federation, which found that of respondents to a door-to-door survey, 45 per cent indicated that they would only consider moving to a newly-built home and 24 per cent of those who had already bought a new home would prefer to buy new build again.

‘It is our observation that we do get repeat purchasers’, says sales manager Ann Crick. ‘Once a purchaser has enjoyed the benefits of their first new Gleeson Southern Home, it seems they have a predisposition to new build properties and wish to continue benefiting from all the advantages a new home brings.’
Newly built homes are appealing for a vast number of reasons, but particularly important are the low maintenance and running costs and ease of purchase. Ann Crick continues, ‘As people become increasingly busy in their lives, time is fast becoming a precious commodity which people value extremely highly. A new property gives them additional leisure time because these homes are so low-maintenance, and quality free time is high on most people’s agenda. Match this personal luxury with the quality of all the homes on our portfolio and it is no surprise our new build properties have a loyal fan base.’
Other advantages of new homes include excellent value for money and more efficient heating and insulation. For details about Gleeson Southern Homes’ properties visit website gleeson-homes.co.uk.

Seen the light?

Celebrity couple Anthea Turner and Grant Bovey were on hand on 4 December to switch on the Christmas lights at St James Homes’ Kew Riverside development in Kew, Surrey. Around 250 guests including Kew Riverside residents, local school children and friends and family of St James Homes took part in the festivities. Carol singers from the Wimbledon Choral Society performed all the old favourites while Father Christmas handed out gifts to children – generously provided by Marks & Spencer, located in the neighbouring Kew Riverside Retail Park.

The lights were designed by Props Studios; the company is also responsible for designing the lights at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, but this is its first commission for a new home development.
Joy Constantine from Props Studios commented, ‘We wanted to design a lighting scheme that would complement the striking glass sales and marketing suite, so we have used lots of glass decorations around the water features and the surrounding trees. We have used stunning glass baubles from Germany and lights from France to decorate the enormous Christmas tree which, combined with the silver decorations, will reflect both natural and artificial light. The project is different from our usual work but we have enjoyed the challenge of lighting up our first ever residential development.’

Hampton Wick, Middlesex

Beechcroft Developments is bringing its unique style to Hampton Wick with the exclusive Thameside Place development on Lower Teddington Road. The site is within a conservation area and less than a quarter of a mile from Hampton Wick station. When complete the development will offer ten one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments in the original villa building and a new west wing, and three one- and two-bedroom cottages in a new orangery. Each property will boast private garaging and residents will enjoy a mature landscaped setting. For further information and to obtain guide prices call 01372 363172.

Brentford, Middlesex

Crest Nicholson is currently offering Watermark, a brand new scheme of three-bedroom three-storey town houses and one- and two-bedroom apartments in Brook Road South offering flexible modern living. Brentford is conveniently located close to Ealing, Richmond and Chiswick and boasts excellent transport links; and as one of London’s newest residential hotspots it is also undergoing widespread regeneration, to bring shops, restaurants, hotels and new homes to the canal area. Prices at Watermark start from £399,950 for a three-bedroom house. Call 020 8569 9474 or email watermark@crestnicholson.com.

Westminster, London

Galliard Homes is currently selling a stunning collection of three-bedroom apartments and duplexes at its New Palace Place development in Monck Street. Ranging from 1,200 sq ft to 1,400 sq ft in size, the homes at New Palace Place offer purchasers substantial and flexible living space within one of the most convenient London locations and are ideal as a modern city base. Residents will benefit from 24-hour uniformed security and porterage plus CCTV surveillance. Prices start from £740,000. Call 020 7222 7512 for further details.

Braintree, Essex

Bovis Homes has now opened a fully furnished four-bedroom show home at its The Courtyard development, which features a generous selection of properties from two-bedroom apartments through to spacious five-bedroom family homes. The selection also includes Bovis’ modern three-storey town houses and room-in-the-roof property designs, which offer flexible family living accommodation. Internal features include fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances and en suite shower rooms to master and second bedrooms. Call 01376 552524 to find out more.

West Malling, Kent

Environ Sunley is now celebrating the completion of its fist five-bedroom house, the 3,542 sq ft Bethpage, priced at around £925,000. located in the Kings Hill Park development, the distinctive home picks up design cues from the light and airy country houses of New England, combining a sense of space with an established Kentish village atmosphere. For further information call 01732 871872.

Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire

Twigden Homes is offering to pay the five per cent deposit and legal fees (excluding disbursements) on a new home at its The Grove development, subject to completion before Christmas. For purchasers who already have a mortgage, Twigden is offering the option to part-exchange their property, thus minimising the hassle of moving. The Grove is a collection of 32 new homes in a variety of designs on the site of the former Hillmead School. Prices start from £215,000 for a three-bedroom house. Call 01279 652432.

Horsham, West Sussex

There are just two family homes remaining at Try Homes’ The Ridings in Faygate, priced at £395,000 and £465,000, each benefiting from a brick and oak feature fireplace to keep buyers warm throughout the winter months. Accommodation at The Ridings has been thoughtfully planned, with large bay windows and French doors in the lounge offering a light and airy feel in the summer, and a solid oak mantel and open brick fireplaces adding warmth as the cooler months move in. For more information call 01293 852990.

Docklands, London

The last of the luxury apartments overlooking the Thames Barrier have now been unveiled at Barratt’s Tradewinds, the spectacular new riverside development of 250 apartments at Silvertown. Over 220 of the homes have already been sold. Tradewinds offers contemporary living in an ultra-modern apartment complex which boasts magnificent views along the river – to the City in the west and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in the east. Prices start from £419,995. Call 020 7476 2819 to arrange a viewing.

Chesham, Kent

Ward Homes has unveiled a select development of six luxury five- and six-bedroom detached homes in the mature and peaceful setting of Lycrome Gate. The development also heralds the introduction of a new design of house, with the detached Sandringham, Ward Homes’ largest property, which has six bedrooms arranged on three floors and an integral double garage. The other homes are built according to existing designs, including the popular Penshurst and Kingsdown, which both offer conservatory, and the Detling, which offers extended living space over three floors. All of the Lycrome Gate properties have spacious rooms, extensive storage and the innovative OnQ Home Cabling System. Prices start from £499,950. The show home is open 10.30am - 5pm from Thursdays to Mondays. For further information call 01494 792401.

Royston, Hertfordshire

Twigden Homes has opened a new development at Templars Gate, Royston, located near the A10 and within walking distance of Royston station from where trains depart direct to Cambridge and Peterborough (north) and to King’s Cross and Moorgate in London. The development provides two-, three- and four-bedroom houses, each with individual characters, but all properties share a high specification including ensuite facilities, family bathroom, downstairs cloakroom, double glazing and single or double  garage. Also on offer is the opportunity to personalise the home with Twigden’s Variations and Options package.
Twigden will also consider part exchanging your home, so customers can move in quickly and without having to pay estate agency fees and without becoming involved in a chain. Prices start from £152,500 for a two-bedroom house. Call 01763 249136 for more details or visit website www.twigdenhomes.co.uk

Little Dunmow, Essex

Wilson Connolly is offering a range of housestyles at its Oakwood Park development, suitable for families and second home purchasers and designed to provide space and a high specification for buyers looking to retreat to the country but still want to enjoy the comforts of modern living. Properties available at the moment include the three-bedroom Leigh and Roding house types, and the four-bedroom Easter design. Features include kitchen/family room, separate dining room and loft studio, and both bedrooms have ensuite. Prices start from £245,950. Call 01371 822990 for details or visit www.wilsonconnolly.co.uk.

Brockham, Surrey

Bewley Heritage is offering the opportunity to live the chateau lifestyle in 32 acres of parkland with its Brockham Park House, consisting of 11 two-bedroom apartments. The property displays refurbished period ironwork, striking Dutch gables and the original French-style, semicircular balcony on its northern façade, attributes which demonstrate its chateau influences.
To contrast with the historical splendour each apartment is high-spec, with video entryphone, security alarms, provision for satellite TV and fully fitted kitchen. There is also a separate garage complex and formal garden. Prices range from £450,000 to £695,000. The show home is open daily from 10am to 5pm; call 01737 843765 for viewing.

Ashtead, Surrey

Berkeley Homes is constructing five detached four- and five-bedroom chalet-style properties off Leatherhead Road, to provide more flexible living to those who want it. The properties offer ground floor bedroom suite, substantial kitchen/breakfast room, two ensuites and family bathroom, drawing room and home office-style study. Prices range from £635,000 to £699,950. Contact selling agents Michael Everett & Co on 01372 273448 or the Berkeley Homes sales office on 01403 211230.

Crouch End, London

Berkeley Homes has seen massive interest in its latest development, The Exchange, converted from part of the former Telephone Exchange. The 51 apartments all feature sliding walls inside which can effortlessly change the use, size and layout of rooms in order to meet individual needs. Each apartment has entrance hall, reception room, flexible living space and Miele kitchen, and prices start from £245,000.
Contact 020 7321 2122.

Slough, Berkshire

Slough is to see an exciting new development from KingsOak, Broomfield Gate, which will feature a selection of four-bedroom detached family homes and a choice of three- and four-bedroom townhouses. The development’s access to the M40 will make commuting to central London an easy option. Prices start from £247,995 for a three-bedroom home. Contact the sales office on 01753 647685 or visit www.kingsoakhomes.com.

Epsom, Surrey

Thirlstone Homes’ new Central Walk development has seen great interest from a new social group, the ‘Virties’ – virtually thirty year olds. Research by the developer shows that this group has considerable expectations and requires superior finishes, more choice in spec and a wide range of facilities. Central Walk, on a former Sainsbury’s site, comprises a six-story building with accommodation on the second to fifth floors and retail and car parking on the ground and first floors. Prices are anticipated to start from £165,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Call 01932 350900.

For many of us, work is taking up an increasing amount of our time. And what today’s commuter wants from a home is good access to commuter links to London. Johnny Turner tours the four corners of the South East and sees a lot to like

Commuting is once again front-page news as the launch date for London’s congestion charge draws near. Many drivers, faced with a much more expensive drive to their central London offices, will now turn to public transport. Those who stay with the car will want a straightforward and sensible route into the capital. So for those in the market for a new home, convenient commuter access is likely to be high on the list of must-haves. The good news is there is a wide selection of quality homes available throughout the commuter belt counties.

In Chertsey, for instance, whose reputation as prime ‘commuter country’ is well established, CALA is opening its third show home in four months at its Bourne Meadow development in Mead Lane. Recently the recipient of a Hotproperty Award for Commutability, Bourne Meadow has found many fans who appreciate its luxury – and its proximity to good transport links. The 20 town houses and 22 apartments will be high-specification havens, perfect for the London worker with a busy lifestyle. London is only 45 minutes by rail, putting the workplace within easy reach. And proximity to other major transport links such as the M25 means Bourne Meadow is well placed for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. Prices for the town houses start at £359,000. For further information contact the sales office on 0800 597 5950 or the show home on 01932 568433.

Meanwhile, Staines is on the up as the area has been the recipient of major investment, making it a hotspot for today’s new homes purchasers. As part of this regeneration Wilson Connolly is developing Thames Edge, a prestigious residential development adjacent to Staines Bridge. Those buying one of the 65 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments will enjoy the best of both worlds – a beautiful location and extremely convenient transport access. Thames Edge is only half an hour away from London Waterloo by train and a short drive from the M3, M4 and M25 motorways. Prices start at £252,000. Find out more on www.wilsonconnolly.co.uk or call 01784 458409.

Also from Wilson Connolly, Brentwood is the setting for The Spires, a collection of luxury two-bedroom apartments. Stylish, spacious and low-maintenance, these homes are set within landscaped gardens and are just a short walk from Brentwood High Street. For those who work in London, Brentwood station offers regular trains to Liverpool Street with a journey time of approximately 40 minutes. The homes are modern and high-spec – and some offer balconies or terrace areas. Prices start from £184,950. Call Beresfords Estate Agents on 01277 204842.

Kent is a county that has it all – green surroundings, coastline and proximity to London. In Paddock Wood, a highly regarded town just down the road from the amenities of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, developer South East Living offers an exciting new collection of homes that are perfect for the commuter. Consisting of three refurbished three-bedroom Victorian houses on the High Street, along with a new mews terrace to the rear providing eight two- and three-bedroom houses. All the properties will have contemporary fitted kitchens, as well as bathrooms with a modern, minimalist theme. The superb commuter links make it possible to combine the best of town and country living. The homes will be released for sale in the spring. To register your interest in the meantime, call South East Living on 020 8851 3938.

In Reading, KingsOak offers Blake’s Quay, a stunning new development at Gasworks Road, which will feature a range of prestigious two-bedroom apartments. Aside from the obvious attraction of the ultra-modern structure and high specification, residents will benefit from a beautiful setting overlooking the River Kennet as well as exceptional ease of commuting by road or rail to London. Reading station and the M4 motorway are nearby for a quick route into west London. Prices currently start at £229,995. Call 0118 959 1514 or visit www.kingsoakhomes.com.
KingsOak also offers the town house lifestyle at its new Ambleside development in Broadbridge Heath, near Horsham in West Sussex. Flexibility for families is a strong selling point here; each home is arranged over three floors, meaning that purchasers can be creative with how they use space, unlike homes with the traditional pre-determined room layouts. A choice of homes is available here, including two-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom terraced homes and four-bedroom town houses. Ambleside is conveniently located on the A24, making commuting particularly advantageous, and the main railway station is within 1.5 miles. Littlehampton and Worthing are also within easy reach. First completions are expected in June. Call the sales office on 01403 255860.

In Hertfordshire, Barratt’s newly-launched City Gates is a stylish development of 60 apartments in the heart of St Albans, is proving a hit with those who need good access to London. City Gates is located just 250m from popular Chequer Street, with its bars and restaurants, and within a short distance of the station. Thameslink trains provide a quick 30-minute service into King’s Cross, making both the City of London and the West End very convenient indeed. The apartments have streamlined, contemporary interiors, while terraces and balconies are a further bonus. Add to this a fully fitted designer kitchen, spacious living/dining room and double glazing and you’ve got apartments with convenience and flair. Prices start at £290,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, while later releases will include one- and three-bedroom apartments. Call the Barratt North London sales hotline on 01923 297311.

It is the ultimate ambition of many people that, when they look out of the window of their apartment, their view of the world is not obscured by next door’s washing or the brick wall of the pub next door. This is where a penthouse comes in. Anna Bowden looks at some of the finest with considerable jealousy


For those who like to feel wild and free in their home, a penthouse can be just the trick. Set high above the marauding masses and with pigeon cries the only distraction, a penthouse apartment will provide all the feeling of space that today’s stressed and over-tired tenants need (as well as the social credibility!).

With so many new developments springing up throughout London and the Home Counties, there is now a vast array of top-notch penthouse apartments on offer, and not all at outrageous prices.
Fairclough Homes’ Fenton Lodge, for example, in Camberley, Surrey, is offering those with a heady love of heights 1388 sq. ft. of accommodation for an affordable £349,995. Conveniently placed close to the town centre, the apartment offers two double bedrooms, separate study, living/dining room and a balcony where those with romantic designs can perform Romeo and Juliet to their hearts content.
Contact selling agents Waterfords on 01276 489583.

Moving onto bigger money, Fulham’s Imperial Wharf is a spectacular 32-acre riverside development in the prime location of Chelsea Harbour. This regeneration site will offer residents much more besides accommodation, with a proposed central boulevard leading to the river, consisting of cafés, boutiques, restaurants and a large convenience store, plus a modern health and fitness complex.
The apartments themselves range from the Thames View Penthouse, costing from £989,950, through the Harbour View Penthouse, from £1,299,950, to the Chelsea View Penthouse from £2,749,950. The latter is a duplex apartment with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, offering breathtaking views over Chelsea Harbour and the Thames. The upper level has a second living room/library which is glazed from floor to ceiling, and the lower level is surrounded by a terrace accessed via the kitchen, living room and fourth bedroom.

These apartments are offered by St George; visit www.imperialwharf.com for more information.
Penthouses can often be synonymous with luxury and comfort, and those at Kew Riverside Park and Kensington Westside fall effortlessly and with no small degree of smugness into this category. In the former, priced at £979,950, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom split-level apartment offers two balconies off the living room, overlooking the river and the extensive private parkland surrounding it. The 1,726 sq. ft. of living space is further complemented by the desirability of the location. Located south of the river between Richmond and Chiswick, Kew is an historic town which houses the famous Kew Gardens, and those looking to feel on the edge of the world but with all the comforts of the city centre will be perfectly placed here.

The latter, Kensington Westside, offers a split-level apartment with panoramic views of the London skyline. Two terraces can be accessed from all three bedrooms as well as the living/dining room. Three bathrooms finish this penthouse’s stunning attributes, and with its proximity to Kensington High Street and Knightsbridge, the £949,950 price seems too good to miss.
Both of these apartments are offered by St George. For more information call 020 8917 4040 or visit website www.stgeorgeplc.com.

Lee, London

Barratt’s newly unveiled development of detached houses is already a great success, with over half of the homes having sold within weeks of opening. The 13 homes, located off Guibal Road, are spacious family houses with gardens and garages, which are increasingly rare within London. Blenheim Gate offers a combination of the best of a suburban location, including good schools and shopping, along with excellent transport connections. The homes themselves, which are set behind electronic entrance gates, offer four spacious bedrooms, a fitted family bathroom plus en suite to the master bedrooms, as well as a large lounge with French windows to the garden. Prices for the remaining homes range from £436,995 to £438,995. Interested parties are urged to act quickly. Call 020 8857 6524.

Markyate, Hertfordshire

A stunning Grade II* listed Queen Anne style house and its outbuildings are being converted into ten luxury homes. The development, located near St Albans, has a wealth of historical connections – Queen Mary is said to have stayed in what will be the master bedroom suite to one of the six-bedroom houses. The house was the dower house to the Beechwood estate, where Prince Edward, who became King Edward VI in 1547, is thought to have spent some of his childhood. The unique stable courtyard has been converted into three homes, one of which will make a feature of three stalls of the restored stables. The homes are now available for sale, priced from £250,000 to £1.39 million. Contact Knight Frnk on 01494 675368 or Lane Fox on 01582 764343.

West End, London

Homes are selling quickly at Richbourne Court, Galliard Homes’ development of 52 apartments. Besides the obvious appeal of a W1 address, these homes offer superb specifications and high-quality finishes. Each apartment has been designed to maximise natural light, and space is abundant – the two-bedroom apartments start from an average of 1,500 sq ft, and the three-bedroom apartments reach a magnificent 2,000 sq ft. The opportunity to purchase such a large home in this central location is scarce and only a handful remain, at prices from £685,000. Call 020 7724 2080.

Cockfosters, London

Fairview New Homes is helping homeowners to spend more time abroad without worrying about the security of their property with the construction of Gloucester Place, a development of 21 two-bedroom (from £335,000) and three-bedroom (from £400,000) duplex apartments. Designed with security in mind, offering electric gates and video entry phones, the development is perfect for those planning to buy a second property abroad with retirement in mind or who simply want a more manageable property. Call 020 8275 0472.

Whitechapel, London

Douglas Allen Spiro will launch 12 recently refurbished and converted one- and two-bedroom apartments at Cleveland Green from January 25. One duplex apartment boasts a roof terrace and all feature brand new Siematic kitchen with modern amenities. Prices start from £170,000 for the one-bedroom and £195,000 for the two-bedroom apartments. Call 020 8880 6333.

Lindfield, West Sussex

A new development at Old School Court in Lindfield by Appledore Developments Ltd has been designed to offer spacious accommodation to purchasers looking to downsize their homes. Converted from a Victorian school building, the development comprises 17 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes and eight two- and three-bedroom apartments. Call Cluttons on 01444 441166 or Appledore on 01732 469888.

East Molsey, Surrey

Try Homes has launched a two-bedroom show apartment for its development at New Inn Court, which is currently under construction. The one-bedroom apartments have all been sold prior to completion but there are still many two-bedroom apartments available, from a starting price of £265,000. Call Melville & Co on 020 8979 0971.

Hornsey, London

KingsOak North London has opened its latest development, Paragon N8, offering 14 contemporary styled one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Most of the two-bedroom homes have balcony, and most two- and three-bedroom homes have en-suite bathroom in the master bedroom. Prices start from £209,995 for one-bedroom apartments. Call 01442 840100.

Elements of the traditional village are being used to create some very desirable newly built communities, finds Johnny Turner.

The idea of what constitutes a village can vary from person to person, but the overriding image one has when picturing a village is the interaction of the people within it. The traditional village is a community of neighbours who all know each other - famously, this can be both a blessing and a curse. Today’s village, however, has moved on from the limited idea of a village as a small hamlet with a shop, church, post office and pub. What today’s home buyers want is the feeling of community and self-sufficiency that a village is known to provide. Modern additions mean even greater choice within the neighbourhood itself, and the quality of the homes being built these days in a village-type setting are the icing on the cake of what can be called ‘neo-traditional’ living.

One hallmark of this new type of village is that it is open to a wide range of influences in terms of design. A good example of this trend is The Hamptons, where North American influence pervades the design of the homes but where the provision of amenities is a modern take on the principles of community and shared experiences that are central to village life. Officially launched just a couple of weeks ago, The Hamptons is a development in Worcester Park, Surrey, where 480 brand new homes are being built, along with generous parkland and an impressive array of amenities.

Over half of the 60-acre site will be given over to landscaped parkland, called Mayflower Park. The Hamptons will also feature Maple Lodge, a central community building which will house a fully equipped gym, business suite and function room. Mayflower Park will feature a large sculptured hill incorporating a natural amphitheatre, 15,000 new trees and a sculpture park with pieces lent by the Royal Society of British Sculptors. A nature reserve, two tennis courts, cycle paths, children’s facilities, four acres of lakes and a fitness trail round out the very impressive amenities available to the resident. Homes at The Hamptons draw from the style of New England, with the timber-clad look in a combination of whitewash and a palette of complementary colours.
Prices in the first phase range from £380,000 to £750,000 for the three-storey four-, five- and six-bedroom houses with private gardens and garages. There are also apartments – and although all the one-bedroom apartments have been sold, there are two-bedroom apartments, located in landscaped grounds with parking, at prices from £305,000. Call 020 8337 3425 or visit thehamptonssurrey.co.uk to find out more.

For discerning home buyers looking to live in a country village with all local amenities and commuter links close to hand, Appledore Developments presents the Village Collection. This array of vibrant, villagey locations provides purchasers with a choice of high-quality homes with a quintessentially English character in a number of locations in Kent and Sussex. Yvette Brotherton, sales and marketing director at Appledore, says, ‘We have a wide selection of developments based on the “English Country Village” theme. All of these developments feature an impressive level of specification, combined with external rustic charm and the character from the original buildings they have replaced. Appledore takes pride in building a small number of select developments at any one time, and we believe that this helps us to achieve high standards of finish.’

A fantastic example of the Village Collection is Wheelwrights in Plaxtol, Kent, which represents the quality that is achievable when a developer with vision sets out to make a beautiful community out of brownfield land. The homes at Wheelwrights enjoy the setting of a small rural village between Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. The perfect rural retreat, these homes have the advantage of stunning views of the surrounding hills as well as a location that is perfect for commuting to nearby towns or the capital.
Also included in the Village Collection are Old School Court in Lindfield, Bourne Place in Hildenborough and Meadow View in Flimwell, as well as developments in the market towns of Wadhurst and Tenterden. Call Appledore Developments on 01732 469888 for more information.

From Redrow Homes comes The Eye in Chatham, Kent, a trend-setting collection of apartments on Barrier Road. The brand new fully furnished show apartment will give prospective buyers an idea of the standard of style available here – in the show apartment Redrow's in-house interior designer, Pôche, has created the ultimate bachelor-pad look.
The Eye is a development of 68 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments arranged to form a large crescent, surrounded by private terraced landscaped areas. All apartments have access to an external balcony or terrace and two levels of car parking will be provided. Current prices at The Eye start at £139,950 for a one-bedroom apartment and £174,950 for a two-bedroom property. Call the regional sales office on 01992 655800 or visit theeye.redrow.co.uk.

In the picturesque village of Fishbourne, West Sussex, Wilson Connolly has released a range of new homes called Flavian Fields. The latest phase consists of a flexible Boxgrove house type with an attractive starting price of £258,000. The three-storey, three-bedroom town house offers the purchaser spacious, flexible living space with the added luxury of south-facing rear gardens, plus views of a pond and an area of open space from the front of the house.
Building work has just begun on the Boxgrove, with completion due in 2004. However, the Stenning house type, a three-bedroom semi-detached home, is now ready for occupation and, due in part to a starting price of £245,000, is selling fast.

Flavian Fields offers homes ranging from three- to six-bedrooms – this development is ideal for families of any size. The six-bedroom Billingshurst is perfect for the larger family – but those interested in this house type should hurry as there is only one remaining. This home has enhanced security features; it is gated and located at the end of a cul-de-sac. Flavian Fields is situated approximately two miles from Chichester and 22 miles from Worthing. Find out more about the wide selection of homes available by ringing the sales office on 01243 775139.

Berkeley Homes is offering the Harvard Collection, a stunning collection of eight detached five-bedroom homes in the picturesque Leybourne Lakes development in Larkfield, Kent. Situated within 250 acres of parkland with 11 lakes, this scheme offers the perfect combination of stylish country living and an easy commute to the capital. The homes here are of American-influenced design and span three floors. The kitchen and family area opens out into a large garden to the rear, providing a very open feel which lends itself perfectly to entertaining, both large and small scale. The first floor has a master bedroom suite including en suite facilities and a walk-in dressing room. The fifth bedroom can also be used as a study, playroom, gym or even a shower room. The local area is villagey as well as convenient; there is a 24-hour Tesco just across the road and for those times when major shopping is necessary, Bluewater is only 20 miles away. Prices for the Harvard Collection start at £372,500. For further information call the Leybourne Lakes sales and marketing suite on 01622 791723.

Countryside Maritime is currently creating a range of highly contemporary new homes on St Mary’s Island in Kent. The striking apartments at The Fishing Village are a successful attempt to build a new development that reflects exactly what the name says – a traditional Kentish village. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at The Fishing Village are now available for sale, with prices starting from £150,000. For sales enquiries contact Countryside Maritime’s sales centre on 0845 071 2070 or visit fishingvillage.co.uk.

Asprey Homes is selling an exclusive new development of four- and five-bedroom homes in Ickham, near Canterbury. Ickham Court Farm is set to be one of Kent’s premier addresses. Bruce Walker, chief executive of Asprey Homes says, ‘We are extremely proud of the homes at Ickham Court Farm, both in terms of the appealing external designs and the thoughtful and imaginative internal layouts.’
Each of the homes has a gated entrance and sits within a substantial plot. There are two country mansion-style properties, each with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as two rustic barn-style homes offering four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The majority of the homes have a detached garage with additional accommodation above – this offers great flexibility for busy families or for those who wish to work from home.

That these homes are something special is evident in every aspect of the design and build quality. A state-of-the-art specification and appealing features such as vaulted ceilings, full-height windows and white shiplap boarding to the barn-style homes combine to put the homes at Ickham Court Farm into a category all their own. The location is extremely convenient, being only minutes by car from Canterbury and the M2, which leads to the coast and the M25.
Prices at Ickham Court Farm range from £750,000 to £1,135,000. For more information contact appointed selling agents Strutt & Parker on 01227 451123 or Cluttons on 01227 457441.